In a typical restaurant, food preparation is responsible for more than 50 percent of all natural gas consumption. While using energy-efficient equipment is a great way to save energy, there are a number of operational changes and low-cost retrofits that can reduce energy use, as well.

Do not preheat steam tables, grills or broilers. For preheating ovens, 15 minutes is generally adequate, depending on the appliance and desired temperature.

With cooking, cleaning and dishwashing, food service facilities use a significant amount of hot water. Dishwashing is the most significant use of hot water in a typical restaurant setting. Energy-saving tips follow:

Only operate the dishwasher with full loads. During slack periods, use a cold water rinse, and stack dishes and pots until you have enough for a full load.

Keep dishwasher temperatures at the proper level. Standard temperatures are 140°F wash, 160°F power rinse and 180°F final rinse.

Avoid heating water when it isn’t needed. Turn off booster heaters and dishwasher water heaters when the dishwasher is not in use and at closing.

Check the power rinse to make sure it is turning off automatically when the tray has gone through the machine.

Clean the dishwasher and empty scrap trays regularly. Check wash and rinse jets for lime build-up after each use. To avoid clogging, use a de-lime solution regularly.

Invest in low-flow, pre-rinse spray valves (0.64-1.6 gallons per minute). According to The Food Service Technology Center, low-flow, pre-rinse spray valves can save from $200 to $600 a month for one- to three-hour per day usage.

Install aerated faucets to reduce the amount of water used during hand washing.

Turn down water heaters when the restaurant is closed. An even better option is to install timers to control water heaters based on occupancy.

Ensure hot water pipes and tanks are insulated properly and maintained regularly. A hot water leak can cost an additional $1,300 in energy.

Space heating/cooling

In general, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) accounts for about 28 percent of a restaurant’s energy expenses. Follow these simple, energy-saving steps:

Install smart thermostat controls to operate the heating and cooling system according to occupancy schedules and nighttime temperature setbacks.

Change filters regularly, and make sure the system is cleaned and inspected on an annual basis.

Only use kitchen exhaust fans when needed and at speeds no higher than necessary. Energy is wasted when large amounts of heated air are exhausted outside.

Hire a qualified professional to inspect ductwork and repair leaks; make sure ductwork is tightly connected from the heater to the diffuser.

This article has been prepared solely for the purpose of providing helpful information to users of this service. The information has been compiled by Questline, a contractor to the NHSaves utilities; however, no representation is made by either Questline or NHSaves as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained therein. In particular, some information may be incomplete, may contain errors or may be out of date. In addition, neither Questline nor NHSaves endorses any product or service mentioned therein.

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